Public Theater announces cast of Gently Down the Stream

The off-Broadway non-profit Public Theater has announced complete casting along with a 1-week extension for the upcoming world premiere of Martin Sherman's comic-drama Gently Down The Stream. Directed by Sean Mathias, the production will begin performances on 14 March 2017, before an official opening on 5 April and and a limited engagement through to 23 April 2017 (instead of 16 April).

Joining previously announced Tony winner Harvey Fierstein (Beau) will be Tony winner Gabriel Ebert (Rufus) and Christopher Sears (Harry).

Synopsis: "Harvey Fierstein plays Beau, a pianist expat living in London, who meets Rufus, an eccentric young lawyer, at the dawn of the internet dating revolution. After a life spent recovering from the disappointment and hurt of loving men in a world that refused to allow it, Beau is determined to keep his expectations low with Rufus. But Rufus comes from a new generation of gay men who believe happiness is as much their right as anyone else's, and what Beau assumed would be just another fling grows into one of the most surprising and defining relationships of his life. A remarkably moving, brilliantly funny love story that reflects the triumphs and heartbreaks of the entire length of the gay rights movement, celebrating and mourning the ghosts of the men and women who led the way for equality, marriage and the right to dream."

The creative team behind Gently Down The Stream has also been announced and features scenic design by Derek McLane, costume design by Michael Krass, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, and sound design by Rob Milburn and Michael Bodeen.

Harvey Fierstein picked up Tony Awards for his performances in 'Hairspray' (2003) and 'Torch Song Trilogy' (1983) and for the book of 'La Cage aux Folles' (1984). His other Broadway acting credits include the 2010 revival of 'La Cage aux Folles,' 'A Catered Affair,' 'Fiddler on the Roof,' and 'Safe Sex.' Other Broadway writing credits include 'Casa Valentina,' 'Kinky Boots,' Disney's 'Newsies,' 'A Catered Affair,' 'Legs Diamond,' 'Safe Sex' and 'Torch Song Trilogy.'

Gabriel Ebert won a Tony Award for 'Matilda The Musical' (2013). His other Broadway credits include 'Thérèse Raquin,' 'Casa Valentina,' 'Brief Encounter,' and 'Red.'

Christopher Sears' previous stage credits include 'The Harvest,' 'Stupid Fu**ing Bird,' and 'London Wall.'